PLACERVILLE-

Ron Hague learned Monday that his sister, Carol, didn’t die how he thought she did.

When Carol’s body was recovered from a fire at a ranch in Placerville, Hague was inconsolable. Then, he found out his sister wasn’t killed by smoke or by fire at all.

“All this has done a 360, and now it’s done another 360. So life as I know it isn’t ever going to be the same,” Hague said.

Carol and her partner of three years, Crystal Ward, were both killed by gunshot wounds, according to the El Dorado County Corner.

Their bodies were discovered in a bedroom of the ranch where Ward raised donkeys, mules and borrows.

Ward was a national expert in the field – a judge, a breeder and a trainer.

About two years ago, Ward invited her girlfriend Carol to come live with her. But all was not well with the relationship, according to neighbors. Some reported hearing more than one raucous argument between the two women.

Police have told the families they are closing in on naming a suspect in the case. As for the murder weapon- they haven’t found one yet. But anyone at the ranch wouldn’t have to look around far to get their hands on a gun.

Hague said that because of mountain lions in the area, both women wore a side arm almost every time they left the house.

Carol Hague was 62. Crystal Ward was 58.

There are still several animals living at the ranch. Neighbors are caring for them now. They will be taken to a shelter for donkeys, burrows and mules sometime soon.